Fall Brings Wild Babies, too

Calls and assistance are picking up again as our Wildlife Education & Rehabilitation Program handles another round of wildlife baby season. Although we usually think “spring” is when we encounter baby wildlife, many animals produce a second wave of offspring in the late summer or early fall.

Whenever a wild baby is healthy and active, we advise that the best course of action for the animal is to return them back to the wild. Better yet, we hope you'll call us before you interfere (440-871.2900 ext. 204!)
 

Infant Eastern Cottontail

Eastern Cottontails are among the wildlife still reproducing in the autumn. Baby bunnies are almost never abandoned, even when they are all alone.In order to minimize the risk of attracting predators, females only come to their nest at dusk and dawn to feed and groom their babies. A young rabbit, chipmunk-sized or bigger, is completely independent of its mother and should be left alone.

 Cottontails have a very low tolerance for stress and when kept in captivity, they very often die. Nests are often in the middle of the yard in what seems like a “bad” place but do not move the rabbits, as the mother probably won’t be able to find them. Cottontails regularly survive growing up in a typical suburban yard even with dangers like cats, kids and even dogs.

Infant Eastern Fox Squirrel

In the case of baby squirrels, which are also among the wildlife offspring you'll see in the fall, it’s not uncommon for young squirrels to show a lack of fear of humans. Even if they run right up to you, this doesn’t mean they need your help! Let them continue learning to be wild. You can help them learn a necessary and healthy fear of humans by clapping or making other loud noises to send them on their way. In fact, “What to do about friendly baby squirrels?” is Number 5 on our Frequently Asked Wildlife Rehab Questions list.

If a squirrel’s eyes are not open yet, you can secure an artificial nest to the tree using a tupperware container with holes in the bottom. Mom is able to retrieve her babies and take them back to the nest. An artificial nest can help protect the baby until it can be located by mom.

-Amy LeMonds, Wildlife Rehabilitation Coordinator